I very much liked this style of story telling. The story in some ways is reminiscent of the account in the book "The Prairie Boys go to War" by Rhonda Kohl. It is a four year account of the 5th Illinois Cavalry told literally day by day. After reading it you feel like you've personally fought the Civil War. The difficulties you well illustrate were not unique unfortunately. Kohl's book relies in part on letters from the men which reveals their changing thoughts on the War, Commanding officers, slavery and their families back home. The 5th was more confined to the Missouri / Arkansas theatre.
The most interesting part was gradually the letters of the Union soldiers changed. At first they condemned the Northern Copperhead political party viewing them in greater distaste than the Confederates. Then over a few years they came to view the institution of slavery in a harsher light after seeing it more up close and personal. So when academics fight over what was the real cause of the Civil War, they are all right. It just depends on what small slice of time you are viewing.
This poor man. I can't imagine what he endured! I'm pretty sure I read about the bridge burning and Braddock's Battalion in "Killing Lincoln" by Bill O'Reilly.
Brackett's Battalion stayed in the region of KY and TN until they were called back to Minnesota in early 1864 for the "Indian Wars". The rest of their service was in western MN and into the Dakotas. They mustered out in mid 1866.
You've hooked me on his story and I am eager to read part two. I recognized the battalion from the Indian Wars, but didn't realize this earlier participation of the Minnesota men in the Civil War. Excellent account!
I very much liked this style of story telling. The story in some ways is reminiscent of the account in the book "The Prairie Boys go to War" by Rhonda Kohl. It is a four year account of the 5th Illinois Cavalry told literally day by day. After reading it you feel like you've personally fought the Civil War. The difficulties you well illustrate were not unique unfortunately. Kohl's book relies in part on letters from the men which reveals their changing thoughts on the War, Commanding officers, slavery and their families back home. The 5th was more confined to the Missouri / Arkansas theatre.
That does sound like a fascinating read. Reading the letters of the actual people who lived and served is truly enlightening.
The most interesting part was gradually the letters of the Union soldiers changed. At first they condemned the Northern Copperhead political party viewing them in greater distaste than the Confederates. Then over a few years they came to view the institution of slavery in a harsher light after seeing it more up close and personal. So when academics fight over what was the real cause of the Civil War, they are all right. It just depends on what small slice of time you are viewing.
This poor man. I can't imagine what he endured! I'm pretty sure I read about the bridge burning and Braddock's Battalion in "Killing Lincoln" by Bill O'Reilly.
Brackett's Battalion stayed in the region of KY and TN until they were called back to Minnesota in early 1864 for the "Indian Wars". The rest of their service was in western MN and into the Dakotas. They mustered out in mid 1866.
You've hooked me on his story and I am eager to read part two. I recognized the battalion from the Indian Wars, but didn't realize this earlier participation of the Minnesota men in the Civil War. Excellent account!
Thank you, Jill!